Prescriptions (MedEx)

Free NHS prescriptions (MedEx) are available for patients who have a permanent stoma.

Patients with a temporary stoma have to pay unless they are entitled for another reason, e.g.(over 60 or on low income).

Patients in Wales have free prescriptions accross the board so are not affected.

Medical exemption (MedEx) certificates are issued on application to people who have:

A permanent fistula (for example caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or illeostomy.
Requiring an appliance or continuous surgical dressing.
A form of hypoadrenalism (for example Addison’s disease) for which specific substitution therapy is needed.Diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism.Diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone.Hypoparathyroidism.Myasthenia gravis.
Myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement).Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy.
Continuing physical disability which means the person can’t go out without the help of another person. Temporary disabilities do not count even if they last for several months.

You are also issued with a MedEx if you are undergoing treatment for cancer.
This includes treatment for the effects of cancer or for the effects of cancer treatments.

To apply for a MedEx certificate ask your doctor for an FP92A form. Your GP, or Hospital Doctor will sign the form to confirm that your statement is correct (or, at your GP’s discretion, a member of the practice who has access to your medical records).

Your certificate will be valid from one month before the date that the NHS Business Services Authority receives the application form.

The MedEx lasts for five years and then needs to be renewed. You may receive a reminder that your certificate needs to be renewed. If you don’t receive a reminder, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is renewed.

You can contact “NHS Help with Costs” on: 0845 601 8076
Or via the website

We're Social

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please be aware that the information provided on this site is to supplement the care provided by your Doctor/Consultant and inform you of the terms used. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.